Technical Paper
Computer-Based Multiprojective Herarchical Design of Spacecraft Thermal Control Systems
1989-07-01
891561
A computer-based design system has been developed for conceptual design of spacecraft active thermal control systems (ATCS). Its purpose is to aid the thermal systems engineer in selection of a working fluid and thermal cycle for a given set of requirements. It allows the user to specify the desired relative importance of several criteria, including system mass, pumping power, and fluid toxicity. The design problem is formulated as a coupled selection-compromise Decision Support Problem, and solved concurrently using DSIDES, a design software package developed at the University of Houston. By using this system, a designer is able to analyze both vapor compression and pumped two-phase thermal cycles, and up to four working fluids simultaneously. A case study based on Space Station Freedom thermal control requirements has been implemented. The fluids considered are Water, R-11, R-114, and Ammonia.
